{"id":3929,"date":"2019-04-03T13:57:58","date_gmt":"2019-04-03T17:57:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=3929"},"modified":"2023-05-16T10:54:30","modified_gmt":"2023-05-16T14:54:30","slug":"flonase-vs-nasonex","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/flonase-vs-nasonex\/","title":{"rendered":"Flonase vs. Nasonex: Differences, similarities, and which is better for you"},"content":{"rendered":"

Drug overview & main differences<\/a> | Conditions treated<\/a> | Efficacy<\/a> | Insurance coverage and cost comparison<\/a> | Side effects<\/a> | Drug interactions<\/a> | Warnings<\/a> | FAQ<\/a><\/p>\n

Do you suffer from a stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, and itchy, watery eyes? If so, you may be one of the 50 million Americans who suffer from allergies<\/a> each year. Flonase (fluticasone) and Nasonex (mometasone) are two FDA-approved nasal spray medications used for the treatment of nasal allergy symptoms. They are known as glucocorticoids, or more commonly known as steroids. They work by decreasing inflammation and congestion in the nasal passages, thus relieving allergy symptoms. Both medications are known as nasal steroids, but Flonase and Nasonex do have some notable differences, which we will outline below.<\/p>\n

What are the main differences between Flonase and Nasonex?<\/h2>\n

Flonase<\/a> (fluticasone<\/a>) is a nasal corticosteroid, or more commonly referred to as a nasal steroid. It is available by prescription in its generic form, as well as over-the-counter (OTC) in brand and generic. The OTC brand-name product is called Flonase Allergy Relief spray and is available in an adult formulation as well as a children\u2019s formulation. It is also available in a gentle mist spray, called Flonase Sensimist, in both an adult and children\u2019s formulation. Flonase can be used in adults and children 4 years and older.<\/p>\n

Nasonex<\/a> (mometasone<\/a>) is also a nasal steroid. It is available in brand and generic, by prescription only. It can be used in adults, as well as children ages 2 years and older.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Main differences between Flonase and Nasonex<\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
<\/td>\nFlonase<\/strong><\/td>\nNasonex<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Drug class<\/strong><\/td>\nNasal corticosteroid<\/td>\nNasal corticosteroid<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Brand\/generic status<\/strong><\/td>\nOTC: Brand and generic
\nRx: Generic<\/td>\n		Rx: Brand and generic<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the generic name?<\/strong><\/td>\nFluticasone propionate<\/td>\nMometasone furoate<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What form(s) does the drug come in?<\/strong><\/td>\nOTC: Flonase Allergy Relief nasal spray (adults and children)<\/p>\n

Flonase Sensimist nasal spray (adults and children)<\/p>\n

Rx: Generic fluticasone<\/td>\n

Nasal spray<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the standard dosage?<\/strong><\/td>\nAdults: 2 sprays (50 mcg per spray) in each nostril daily
\nor 1 spray in each nostril twice dailyAdolescents and children 4 years and older: 1 spray in each nostril daily (may temporarily increase to 2 sprays in each nostril per day, and decrease again once symptoms are controlled)<\/td>\n		Adults: 2 sprays (50 mcg per spray) in each nostril once daily<\/p>\n

Children ages 2 to 11:
\n1 spray in each nostril once daily<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

How long is the typical treatment?<\/strong><\/td>\nShort-term or long-term (depending on symptoms and doctor\u2019s instruction)<\/p>\n

*consult with doctor if your child needs treatment for more than 2 months a year<\/td>\n

Short-term or long-term (depending on symptoms and doctor\u2019s instruction)<\/p>\n

*consult with doctor if your child needs treatment for more than 2 months a year<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Who typically uses the medication?<\/strong><\/td>\nAdults, adolescents, children age 4 years and older<\/td>\nAdults, adolescents, children age 2 years and older<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Conditions treated by Flonase vs. Nasonex<\/h2>\n

Flonase is indicated for the management of the nasal symptoms of seasonal or perennial (year-round) nonallergic rhinitis (nasal inflammation) in adults and children 4 years and older. Nonallergic rhinitis is a condition where you experience nasal symptoms that resemble allergies or hay fever but the symptoms do not have a known cause. Flonase is also used off-label<\/a> for several other conditions, outlined below.<\/p>\n

Nasonex is used for the treatment of the nasal symptoms of seasonal<\/a> and perennial allergic rhinitis in adults and children 2 years and older. It is also used to prevent seasonal allergies in adults and children 12 years and older, and to treat nasal polyps in adults and children 18 years and older. Nasonex also has some off-label uses, outlined below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Condition<\/strong><\/td>\nFlonase<\/strong><\/td>\nNasonex<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Management of nasal symptoms of seasonal or perennial nonallergic rhinitis<\/td>\nYes (4 years and older)<\/td>\nOff-label<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Treatment of the nasal symptoms of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis<\/td>\nOff-label<\/td>\nYes, 2 years and older<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Prophylaxis (prevention) of seasonal allergic rhinitis<\/td>\nOff-label<\/td>\nYes, ages 12 years and older<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Treatment of nasal polyps<\/td>\nOff-label<\/td>\nYes, ages 18 years and older<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Acute bacterial rhinosinusitis, adjunct to antibiotics<\/td>\nOff-label<\/td>\nOff-label<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Viral rhinosinusitis symptom relief<\/td>\nOff-label<\/td>\nOff-label<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Chronic rhinosinusitis<\/td>\nOff-label<\/td>\nOff-label<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Is Flonase or Nasonex more effective?<\/h2>\n

In a three-month study comparing Flonase to Nasonex in 459 patients (ages 12-77 years) for perennial rhinitis<\/a>, both drugs were found to be similarly effective and well-tolerated.<\/p>\n

Another, smaller eight-week study<\/a> of 75 patients with allergic rhinitis came to the same conclusion: Flonase and Nasonex are similarly effective in treating allergy symptoms.<\/p>\n

The most effective drug for you can only be determined by you and your doctor, who can take into account your medical conditions(s) and medical history, as well as other medications you take.<\/p>\n

Coverage and cost comparison of Flonase vs. Nasonex<\/h2>\n

Flonase is generally covered by most insurances and Medicare Part D in its generic form, fluticasone. The various OTC versions of brand-name Flonase are generally not covered. Nasonex is usually covered by most insurance plans and Medicare Part D in its generic, mometasone. The brand-name of each drug may not be covered or may be covered at a higher copay.<\/p>\n

You can get generic Flonase<\/a> for around $11 and generic Nasonex<\/a> for as low as $13.50 with a SingleCare coupon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\nFlonase<\/strong><\/td>\nNasonex<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by insurance?<\/td>\nOTC: no
\nRx: yes<\/td>\n		Yes, generic<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by Medicare Part D?<\/td>\nOTC: no
\nRx: yes<\/td>\n		Yes, generic<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Standard dosage<\/td>\n1 unit<\/td>\n1 unit<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typical Medicare Part D copay<\/td>\n$0-$20<\/td>\n$15-$145<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
SingleCare cost<\/td>\n$11-$29<\/td>\n$13.50+<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Common side effects of Flonase and Nasonex<\/h2>\n

Both Flonase and Nasonex are well tolerated by patients. The most common symptoms of both drugs are headache, asthma symptoms, nausea\/vomiting, and cough. Other side effects listed for both drugs occurred at a similar frequency as placebo (inactive medication), such as nosebleeds and sore throat.<\/p>\n

Other side effects may occur. Consult your healthcare provider for a full list of side effects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\nFlonase<\/strong><\/td>\nNasonex<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Side effect<\/strong><\/td>\nApplicable?<\/td>\nFrequency<\/td>\nApplicable?<\/td>\nFrequency<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Headache<\/strong><\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n6.6%\u201316.1%<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n26%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Nausea\/vomiting<\/strong><\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n2.6%\u20134.8%<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n2-5%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cough<\/strong><\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n3.6%\u20133.8%<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n7%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Asthma symptoms<\/strong><\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n3.3%\u20137.2%<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n2-5%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Source: DailyMed (Flonase<\/a>), DailyMed (Nasonex<\/a>)<\/p>\n

Drug interactions of Flonase and Nasonex<\/h2>\n

Flonase and Nasonex are both processed, or metabolized, by an enzyme called cytochrome-P 450 3A4, otherwise known as CYP3A4. This enzyme is involved in the metabolism of many drugs. Certain drugs can inhibit this enzyme, and slow the enzyme down from processing Flonase or Nasonex, which can lead to a buildup of the nasal steroid and cause increased steroid side effects. Therefore, strong CYP3A4 inhibitors should generally not be taken in combination with Flonase or Nasonex, because together they would cause increased side effects of Flonase or Nasonex.<\/p>\n

Other interactions may be possible. Check with your healthcare provider for medical advice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Drug<\/strong><\/td>\nDrug Class<\/strong><\/td>\nFlonase<\/strong><\/td>\nNasonex<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Atazanavir
\nClarithromycin
\nConivaptan
\nIndinavir
\nItraconazole
\nKetoconazole
\nLopinavir
\nNefazodone
\nNelfinavir
\nRitonavir
\nSaquinavir
\nVoriconazole<\/td>\n		Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Warnings of Flonase and Nasonex<\/h2>\n